Civil Engineer with UNDP Syria

Mission and objectives

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners.

In Syria, UNDP has adopted a highly principled approach to the delivery of its mandate in providing critical support to crisis-affected communities. Acknowledging the sensitivities of the operational context, UNDP’s activities in Syria are further informed by bespoke measures to mainstream a do-no-harm approach based on a thorough context analysis, to ensure effective safeguarding measures are applied across all areas of operation in response to the challenges of the Syrian context.

Context

UNDP has adopted a highly principled approach to the delivery of its mandate in providing critical support to crisis-affected communities. Acknowledging the sensitivities of the operational context, UNDP’s activities in Syria are further informed by bespoke measures to mainstream a do-no-harm approach based on a thorough context analysis, to ensure effective safeguarding measures are applied across all areas of operation in response to the challenges of the Syrian context.

In this context, UNDP Syria is looking for a Civil Engineer who can support UNDP’s immediate interventions in socio-economic recovery and resilience. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP Syria’s efforts to promote volunteerism and ultimately increase the capacity to respond to the various technical assistance.

National UN Expert Volunteers in Syria are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 919

• Expertise differential USD 367.6

• Well-being differential USD 275.7

• Annual and learning leaves;

• Free Medical and life insurance;

• Free access to different learning platforms.

Task description

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Area Managers, Procurement and Operations Units, the UN Volunteer will:

1) Crucially participate in the assessment processes of the targeted locations in order to identify the needed plan including the procedures, items and equipment.

2) Ensure timely submission of the required Bill of Quantities (BoQs) of the relevant renovation and construction activities in coordination and cooperation with the technical teams from the Authority.

3) Respond to queries from the Procurement Unit and review committees related to BoQs and technical specifications.

4) Participate in pre-bid meetings and respond to queries from the bidders if related to BoQs and technical specifications.

5) Participate in Technical Review panels for submitted bids and review all bids against the approved BoQs and technical specifications.

6) To supervise all locations of building and provide updates, and recommendations to UNDP accordingly:

a. Follow up and oversee rehabilitation civil works at site preparation and execution of the Works against the provided approved sketch and bill of quantities within the set time frame.

b. Evaluate, check and verify the Contractor’s measurements on-site.

c. Construction Inspection including inspection of materials and equipment to be installed.

d. Check materials received at construction/renovation sites against damages, missing parts and appropriate ratings; ensuring that the materials/equipment provided by the Contractor meets UNDP’s requirements and standards.

e. Materials/equipment provided by the Contractor meets accepted requirements and standards.

f. Discuss site issues with the Contractor and promptly report back to UNDP if a problem arises that requires UNDP’s input.

g. Advise, monitor and manage the operational phase of the facilities and procured equipment on behalf of UNDP and in coordination with the governorate and /or the line ministries directorates.

h. Ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project actions and the operations of the outcomes.

i. Check and certify substantial construction progress/ completion and the corresponding payments. Advise UNDP to withhold payment for any work which has been rejected or any work which is not in compliance with the contract documents.

j. Identify any Variation Order as being issued under one of the following categories:

k. Variation which alters, amends or deletes items contained in the Contract and which variation does not alter the Scope of the Works and is not charged against contingencies and which does not increase the contract value.

l. Variation which increases the Contract value and requires the commitment of additional funds and hence requires UNDP’s approval in writing.

m. Maintain project construction/rehabilitation records and issue correspondence, certificates, notices and instructions to the Contractor on behalf of UNDP as may be required by the provisions of the construction Contract documents.

n. Advise UNDP on the value of the works at the date of termination, in the event of the termination of the Contract.

o. Assist UNDP as an expert witness in litigation arising from the development or construction of the projects and in bearings before various approving and regulatory agencies.

p. Ensure that the Contractor maintains safety on-site and cleans the site after the completion of the rehabilitation work.

q. Issue certificates of Substantial Completion in coordination with UNDP and the contractor.

7) Monitor activities with NGOs and contractors and report the progress to the project management.

8) Coordinate between UNDP, Local Authorities and civil society on all the ongoing activities including areas, assessment, implementation and operation.

9) Perform the “Engineer” role with the involved Contractors and/or NGOs.

10) To satisfy the reporting and monitoring requirements by UNDP CO.

Application deadline is on 22 January 2025